Dean Micheal Schenker V

Dean Micheal Schenker V

I got a letter from a reader a while back asking me not only about a nice V for under 800 bucks but also asking if I had played or owned one of the Micheal Schenker V's from Dean.


Dear Jon

I am a huge fan of Micheal Schenker from back to the old UFO days. I have been playing guitar for five years now and was wondering if you had played the Dean signature MS guitar? If not could you help point me in the right direction of a V that is in the 800 dollar or less range?
                                                                                            
                                                                             Rachel (San Diego California)

When Micheal Schenker was born in Jan 1955 he had no clue he would make such a impression on millions of guitar players around the world. He has graced the stage under so many banners from Scorpions, UFO, MSG and his solo material. He is known for playing V's and most of them with the white and black of some form almost a Yin & Yang feel to them. Micheal was known for his Gibson V's and some still feel his place is among the guitar giant. Micheal started working with Dean guitars sometime ago not only putting a fresh face on his signature V guitars but also helping design the pickups that grace these axes. My personal favorite out of the line was the flame MS signature and I bought one a while back to add to my ever growing collection of V's.


Features

Top: Mahogany
Body: Mahogany
Scale Length: 24-3/4 inch
Nut Width: 1-11/16 inch
Neck: Set Mahogany C Neck
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Inlays : Pearl Block
Tuners : Grover
Hardware : Chrome
Bridge : Tune-O-Matic
Pickups: USA DMT Michael Schenker Lights Out
Graphic: Black and White Custom Flame Graphic
Case: Hardshell Case Included


Sound

Schenker had a direct effect not on just the woods but the actual guts of this beast with helping of the Lights Out Schenker sig pickups. This Mahogany loaded beast has all that classic rock brilliance so many of us cheer for. This guitar is basic in setup but loaded with tone and sustain for days. I was able to back off the neck pickup and have that robust full sounding blues and clean that guitars three times this cost cannot effectively get. When lighting up the neck pickup I could get them singing ballad leads to the snarling rock leads Schenker is known for without much effort. The bridge pickups is a great southern rock to a balls out hard rock beast. I found that using the tone and the volume knobs (depending on the setting) could really sculpt out sounds easily instead of reaching for the amp. I could not quite push this guitar into the hardcore or death metal arena without adding a pretty heavy distortion from a pedal but all in all this is a stellar bad ass sounding guitar that is brilliant, bold and simply bad ass!!!!


My Opinion

This guitar looks huge from the bottom of the Flying V to the reversed V headstock. I was shocked on how light the guitar was and holding it for long periods of time did not take a toll on my back or shoulder. This guitar is a breeze for them long nights in the studio and has the looks for them long stage sessions that will leave the crowd head banging and pointing on how damn cool it looks!! This is a jack of almost all trades guitar that anyone from blues to hard rock can easily adapt this axe into there rig cause of the dependable build and the looks of some of the most sought after axes of all time. Micheal would not have stuck his name on this guitar unless it was anything less then perfect. This is about the import version of this guitar cause after playing but the USA and the import version of this guitar I could not tell enough of a difference to shell out the 2 or 3k more for it. The hardshell case that comes with it is form fitted and built like a tank to protect your new V and keep it looking brand new for many years!!! I think anyone who tries this axe will fall in love with it as much as I have!!!


www.deanguitars.com

Creative Tunings Spider Capo

Creative Tunings Spider capo
By Kris Martens

The spider capo is a full/partial capo that is really cool. Unlike a normal capo that barres all the strings across a single fret the spider features six individual fingers so you can choose which string(s) you want to  capo.
 
Each finger slides across a bar which allows you to get proper string spacing/intonation. You just screw it on the neck at the fret you want.  Be careful not to screw it on too tight or you could damage the guitar neck/binding. Then move the fingers over the strings and adjust for the spacing.The whole process took a couple of minutes.  After that you just turn the rounded part onto the string and you're good to go.  For those that play live just set the spacing before the gig and you could attach it in seconds when you need it.
 
One main advantage with the spider is the ability to play on both sides of the capo. Say you capo the fifth fret of the low E string. You can play all the other strings normally. Only the low E string is affected.
 
I use it with a standard tuned 7 string (BEADGBE). Sometimes I would prefer a low C instead of B.  No problem. It puts hundreds of tunings at your fingertips. I find it let's me get really creative and play music that is not possible otherwise.
 
The Spider capo is available in normal ( for acoustic/electric 6 string $29.99), mini (for ukulele banjo/mandolin $32.99) and XXL (for 7 and 8 string guitar, bass $39.99). If you want to expand your creativity or use multiple tunings the spider capo will do the job for sure.

FU-Tone Upgrades

FU-Tone Upgrades

This day in age guitars have evolved into directions that even astound me. From the classics like Les Pauls to the Telecaster and Stratocaster to V's and customs that push the limits unheard of  from even just 20 years ago. The import market use to be the bottom of the barrel and custom guitars was something that only the rich or the biggest rock stars could afford. The import market today has reached new levels and custom guitars are something now anyone can afford if they reach hard enough. Most guitars from most makers are usually quality made but they can lack in some areas from tremolos lacking a bit of tone and sustain springs that slip and are noisy. A company called FU-Tone took the reigns to make great tone available to everyone at a price that anyone can afford. I have used and even compared there products to some cheaper versions of others and seen how it all stacks up. Today we shall talk about the world of FU-Tone and what they can do to give you rock star tone!!!!!!!! 



 
I am first going to talk about my Carvin V220 Classic Reissue V Guitar. 

This guitar is everything I ever wanted from alder body and a flame maple neck thru construction. It is loaded with locking tuners original Floyd Rose tremolo coil tapping and even a maple top on it for good measure. A ebony fretboard and gorgeous abalone block inlays round out this beast. I wrote up a talk about this beast of a guitar that you can read here. Click here for read Carvin V Review for Gear Talk By Jon.


I wanted to take this great guitar and make it legendary gear it up to what would be one of the best stage and studio guitars in my rig for a very long time. I turned to FU-Tone where Adam over there helped me with a Tone Block, Heavy Duty Springs, Brass Claw and a Brass Trem Stopper. These items all helped me take this guitar to a level of amazing proportions. Lets take a moment and break down each part I installed into this guitar.


37mm Brass Tone Block to replace the light pot metal one. This adds volume and mass what equals tone and resonance and sustain. Tear down time is a bit cause you have to loosen or replace the strings and tear the tremolo all the way down and intonate it when done. It is more then worth the time and FU-Tone has great videos to help out along the way.

Brass Trem Stopper helps block your tremolo so it is very stable what helps if you have a heavy hand and if you plan on using a D-Tuna. It also equals back to the mass equals tone. I used a small drill bit and drilled two small wholes and then screwed it in. It took about ten min total including the setting of the tremolo.

Heavy Duty Noiseless Springs that live up to there name in every way shape and form. They are the best springs I have seen and or used on any guitar and really give you that extra grip on the trem to make sure you are in tune 100% of the time.

Brass Spring Claw helps in two ways from the original pot metal one that comes standard on tremolos. They are stronger and go back to the mass equals tone and will help the entire tone and sustain output on your guitar. It took only a few minutes to install and then solder the wire.

When I had all of this installed on the V it is mind blowing what it did for this guitar. It took a great guitar and made it even better. I gained a extremely mind blowing amount of sustain and tone the guitar performed better then I could dream. If you have a mid level or entry level guitar it is a cheap way to step it up into new tonal territories to keep you on a budget and still get rock star tone. You do not need to be a luthier or have years of tool experience to be able to install this stuff between FU-Tone and Youtube there are tons of videos to help walk anyone step to step.


The next question I had was what makes FU-Tone different? There are blocks on Ebay that are a bit cheaper......Trem blocks that are about half the price........Why would I want to pay a few dollars more right????? It is about saving money???? 
 
The next quick test I wanted to run was what separates  FU-Tone and why did I want to back this company when I can find cheaper parts in other places. I went to one of the more favorite places for musicians to buy parts or upgrades for there guitars the mighty Ebay. I purchased a 37mm brass block and a brass trem stopper for almost half the price just to compare for myself. I notice the block was very bland looking has a very dirty look to it that would not buff out. I weighed them both also and the Ebay block was actually lighter and a bit smaller also. The trem stopper was not machined it was basically a small piece of flat bar that was bent with a threaded whole in it. I noticed a ton of difference in the tone and sustain it almost sounded muffled after having the FU-Tone upgrades installed on the guitar. I am sure it was better then stock but not much better and it was not worth the money I spent. Sometimes you cannot be fooled by smoke and mirrors and cheaper parts made with lower quality brass and components. 
When it comes to your tone your sound and your style I personally recommend FU-Tone!!!!

It is also important to let everyone know that I am in no way or shape endorsed with FU-Tone. I am writing about this company cause I believe that they offer the best parts and upgrades for the quality for the money on the market today!!!!!!

Next month we shall take another look at FU-Tone and look at what it did for my VG Guitars V that I call my Phoenix Guitar.

Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster

Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster
By Kris Martens

Up for review today is the fender Ritchie Blackmore Strat. This guitar is made in Mexico and is one of the better strats that I have played recently.

Features

Artist series
Alder body
21 fret Maple neck with scalloped rosewood fretboard
7.25" radius
3 bolt neck plate with tilt control
70's headstock
Bullet truss rod
70's style fender branded tuning machines
Seymour duncan quarter pound flat pickups with dummy in the middle
3 way pickup  selecter
1 volume, 2 tone pots
Gig bag included


When I first noticed this model on the fender website I knew this was a guitar that I would have to try out. I'm a huge Rainbow fan and this model is based on the guitar that Ritchie used with that band. The high end MiM strats are great guitars and I've played several that have really impressed me. This one is no different. Great bang for the buck!

This guitar looks really awesome. It's black pickups, knobs and switch tip contrast great with the Olympic white body and 3 ply white pickguard. The chrome hardware is sweet and the CBS headstock is downright menacing.


The pickup configuration might put strat "purists" off but I love it. Having a three way pickup selector negates the famous 2 and 4 positions that country and blues  players love  but this guitar is meant to rock. There is a dummy pickup in the middle position for cosmetic purposes. It basically functions like a les Paul. Position 1 is the bridge, 2 is bridge and neck and 3 is the neck. The middle position is really cool because you can't get that tone without modifying a normal strat. Switching from the neck to bridge is smoother as well due to the switch only covering  one tone between them instead of three different tones. Most people wouldn't notice this though.

The bridge pickup is a reverse wound/reverse polarity Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Flat SSL-4 single coil.


The neck pickup is a normal wound SSL-4.

These pickups have twice the output of a normal single coil. They are perfect for playing rock and old school metal. They are a bit noisy so I find a noise gate to be mandatory.

This guitar absolutely crushes when played through my jcm800. It handles clean and high gain like a champ.

The scalloped fretboard is awesome. It's kind of strange at first but I got used to it in a few minutes. You get more control for string bending and vibrato.

Overall this guitar is a keeper. Everything is top notch from the fretwork to the scallop job. I'm really impressed!

Swiss Picks

 Swiss Picks - All Models



I met Swiss Picks owner Pete Punckowski some time
ago and did not find out he was the owner of Swiss Picks
till recently. Pete is one of the nicest down to earth guys 
that truly loves his customers and loves to see and hear 
about there experiences with his picks. The entire design
is totally original with them looking like a piece of cheese
but they are designed to be so much more then a great gimmick. There is so many styles of picks on the market
today from big to small and thick to thin from rounded ends to very sharp ends. The materials used this day in age with picks is endless from some being made out of  metal and brass to plastics and even some rubber mixes. A guitar or bass players pick is almost as important as the guitar they play cause they can have a huge impact on the sound and speed a player can play at. Today we will be talking about the very original company Swiss Picks.






Features


Swiss Pick Original in thickness 55mm, 80mm and 1.10mm. These are the largest in the collection.

Sharp Cheddar Jazz Mini in thickness 1.30mm

Sharp Cheddar- Derlin and Rusty Cooley sig
 mini jazz 1.30mm

Sharp Cheddar in thickness 1.10mm, 1.50mm and 2.0mm





Sharp Cheddar Rusty Cooley Edition in 
Thickness 1.10mm, 1.50mm, 2.0mm






From the pictures posted they all look very similar but there is differences in each model to appeal to a different player.


Sound:
These picks themselves do not add sound but in there own way they kinda do. I noticed when I tried out each model that nailing harmonics was a total breeze and notes were very rich with tone cause a good pick is a tool to achieve the music you are looking for.


My opinion
I was really excited to try these picks out I have seen them around known a few guitar players that swear by them and I wanted to see if they was a real tool or just a great gimmick. These picks are the real deal and built strong to keep burning into the late night whether it be on a stage, jam room or studio. I have always had a problem with picks turning in my hand after a while what is a real pain in the ass but that problem was gone in a instant using these picks. They look like pieces of cheese but they have been designed that each whole and groove to help that player excel at playing. I have always had my personal favorite brands of picks but these have really made me rethink everything I thought I knew about picks and have convinced me to switch over to the swiss side of the force!!
My personal favorite picks out of all of them for playing guitar (They all was great picks) was the Rusty Cooley Jazz Mini, I have always preferred a smaller pick for guitar cause I can play a bit faster with them and more comfortable in my hand. I found for playing bass the original sharp cheddar picks really did the job for me they was well balanced and I was able to rumble the walls. I would recommend these picks for all styles of music from beginner to the most advanced player on the block. Swiss Picks are more then a tool they are the real cheese the whole cheese and nothing but the cheese so help me metal gods!!!!!


Contact Info Just Click Links
Swiss Picks Webpage
Swiss Picks Facebook Page

Flying V Leather Acc

Flying V Leather Acc

This day in age there is so many companies offering aftermarket
products for musicians. From tuners, straps, picks, braces, upgrades and on and on that it is sometimes hard to know what is good and what is made well. When it comes to being a musician it is like most things that you can spend as deep as your wallet wants to go on some really fancy items. So many musicians choose leather straps over nylon or other materials cause of the comfort and styles that can be made from it. Flying V Leather Acc is a company that will make just about anything out of leather (Depending on how deep your wallet wants to go) Straps, V Rests, Braces, Drum Bags and with new products on the way. 


Instead of the normal review I am going to break down the products I
own from Flying V and what separates them and why they are great
products. 

1. V Rest

The V Rest is a great product that allows the V guitar players to have a hands free approach to playing there favorite V. It is pretty simple basically you put the fin of your V into the bucket end of the V Rest and the rounded end goes on your leg. It is kinda the same feel as taking your favorite strat and balancing it on your leg and playing. Flying V offers these for all V guitars and if you per chance come across a really crazy one off then a Custom one can be made. They are light weight and can fit in your favorite gig bag or case and do not cost much at all so anyone can afford them.


2. RR Pro Series Strap

Flying V makes this strap to pay tribute to one of
the greatest guitar players in the world. This strap is 
recreation of the late great Ozzy guitar player that uses
the highest grade leather and handcrafting available and hand
driven studs. You can order it in different widths and lengths
to adjust to the size of the player. This is one of my favorite 
straps I own it is really comfy and looks great on any stage or
jam room. This is build like a tank and beautiful from top to bottom!


3. Wrist Brace

This is a simple but very effective wrist brace that is great for looks
or for the player that needs a bit of support on there playing arm. High
end leather and two buckles allow for total comfort. The chrome and black
look is always just rock n roll. Flying V has some you can choose from or
you can design your own style or add or take away anything you choose to
make it perfect for your comfort.



4. Wrist Brace

I had Matt make up this brace cause of a accident at work some years ago that totally messed up my wrist and I need tons of support but also allowed to have it be tightened down in different spots to allow me to still play guitar. I had him keep it simple cause sometimes less is more but the chrome buckles look amazing cause black leather is always in season. If you can dream it then Matt can build it!!! This is a brace I wear almost all the time now cause I have cannot live without it. 




5. Guitar Strap

I went to Flying V when Carvin Guitars was making me a custom guitar that was really flashy (DC400A Orange To Purple Burst Over Quilt). I told Matt that I wanted this strap to go hand in hand with the guitar with colors and have my name on it. Matt said ''No problem Jon if you can dream it I can make it''. This is actually very simple strap (Exactly what I wanted) that is hand made and hand colored with my name printed on in orange. This strap is amazing and very comfy to play it supports the most heavy guitar without making my shoulder tired.



My Opinion

I have owned and or played over 100 straps in my 25 years with a guitar or bass strapped to my body. I have owned more brands then I can even remember. I have had a few wrist braces also but never was able to get someone to build me one with there own two hands to fit me perfect. Matt over at Flying V Leather Acc is at the front of quality and takes each customer one on one to make sure they get exactly what they want. He has great service after the sale if you do not get what you was hoping to get. Build times can be a bit lengthy but that is cause he is making them by hand one at a time by himself.  The V Rest is one of the coolest must have products for the V player since the actual V itself. It allows you to push them long sessions without having to wear a strap and be in total comfort. I have another strap being made for my VG Guitars Phoenix guitar (I did a talk about it in a earlier session) that is going to have everything but the kitchen sink on it that only Matt can do. The prices are amazing and the products are all hand made in the USA so there is no going wrong with this company.

Contact Info

www.flyingvleatheracc.com
www.facebook.com/TheFlyingVLegRest

LTD-MW-Skull Wilton Signature

LTD-MW-Skull

LTD is owned by ESP it is basically the Epiphone to Gibson. LTD has been known to make some amazing guitars at prices that most any musician at any skill level can find that perfect guitar to suit there needs. I personally own a handful of LTD guitars and I have never had a issue with them in any way form or function. For them that are still unclear it is basically Epiphone to Gibson guitars. I have always said there are three kinds of guitar player in the world 1. The guitar player that will not play anything but high priced Gibson's or Paul Reed Smith priced guitars or hand made super expensive ones cause they honestly feel and think it means the guitar will play better. 2. The guitar player that looks for feel and sound and plays a guitar cause they love them no matter the price whether it be high or low. 3. The guitar player that is a looking for low end guitars to do minor upgrades to get the most of out a little. Today we will talk about the Queensryche Wilton signature model.


Features

Construction-Bolt On
Scale-25.5
Body-Alder
Neck-Maple
Fingerboard Radius-350mm
Finish-Black/Skull Graphic
Nut Width-42mm
Nut Type-Locking
Neck Contour-Thin U
Frets/Type-22 XJ
Tuners-Grover
Bridge-Floyd Rose
Neck Pickup-Seymour Duncan Sh-1
Bridge Pickup-Seymour Duncan TB-4
Electronics-Vol/Tone/3-Way Switch


Sound

This guitar by LTD is a great all around guitar that can do the beautiful full bodied cleans clear up to the hard rough edged metal that Queensryche has been known for. This is a import guitar but has all the uptown features to give you any sound you are really looking for. I spent time playing this guitar into many amps and configurations and found that there was no sound I could not get from this axe. Wilton made sure if he was going to sign his name on the headstock that this guitar better be able to put up with nightly gigging and studio work and come out smelling like a rose. I found that this guitar shined the hardest with getting the 80's metal sound to a early thrash sound. This guitar is a jack of all trades with humbuckers style guitar. I did notice that this guitar really did not quite satisfy my blues and single coil strat needs but honestly I doubt anyone buying this will be for that style of music. This guitar is as solid and stable as any guitar you will own will be from top to bottom!!


My Opinion

If you cannot afford a 2000 dollar guitar or if you are a guitar player that does not think you need to pay four months rent to get a guitar this might be the one for you. The street price for this guitar is right around 700 bucks and it is loaded with a full on Floyd Rose and actual Seymour Duncan pickups that even the highest end guitars are loaded with. The neck on this guitar is insane smooth making shredding a ease. Alder wood is such a great all around wood that so many of the highest end guitars are made and sounds amazing on this guitar. Every one of my friends that jam usually pick this guitar up first cause of not only how cool it looks but know that Micheal Wilton is a guitar god and is not going to allow anyone to tag his name to junk. The inlays on this guitar are beautiful with the Queensryche logo and diamonds in the upper frets. This guitar does not have any binding on it but I usually am not a fan of binding anyway. I would recommend this guitar to anyone that loves a full bodied guitar that will sound and look good and command the attention of the crowd in any show you do!!!


Contact
http://www.espguitars.com/
www.facebook.com/espguitars

Carvin - UX16 UHF Wireless Receiver & Body Pack Transmitter

Carvin UX16 UHF Wireless Receiver & Body Pack 

When people usually think about Carvin, Guitars is what usually comes to mind. The company that is in its fourth generation started out winding pickups but now does guitars and basses, guitars and bass amps, live sound, guitar kits, effects, wireless and so much more. I am such a huge fan of Carvin cause they are not in big box stores they do not sell out like so many do to the import market and you can get custom gear for half the price or less  then the average Gibson or Paul Ree Smith with as much if not more quality and more service after the sale. Today we are not going to be talking about the guitars or amp side.
We are actually going to talk about the UX16 UHF Wireless Receiver & Body Pack.


Layout & Features
The UX professional wireless systems are built to last. 16 channels offer the freedom of running multiple systems simultaneously - no more buying one frequency systems that you have to specify each frequency. Rack mount one or two UX systems together with the optional UX-DR rack mount chassis. The UX-MC hand held system utilizes our finest CM68 element for crisp hi-end with a smooth bottom-end. Our latest dual AA batteries technology replaces the old 9V battery system lasting up to 25 hours without changing, and the PLL (phase lock loop) engineering uses UHF technology (ultra high frequencies) to assure the signal carrier is locked-in for up to 300'. Dual Diversity receivers automatically switch to the best signal path so you don't get drop-outs. Full bandwidth with less than .5% THD delivers impeccable sound that even the high priced systems lack.
 
Frequency Response: -3db @ 40 Hz & -10db @ 30 Hz (suitable for guitar, bass or similar instruments)
S/N ratio: 100dB
Wireless frequency: 692 - 697.975 Mhz
Audio Input: 600 ohms XLR
Stability: ±.005%
Freq. stability: ±0.005%
Crystal Controlled
Powered by AC/DC power adapter (provided)
Dimensions: 8.701" wide x 1.575" high x 5.984" deep

The body pack can be used for a Lavalier mic, Headset mic or Guitar/Bass.


Sound
The UX16 setup has a crystal clear sound and clarity that us guitar players really need. It does not add any sound itself to take away from your treasured tone. I do not have any pops or clicks that some cheaper systems will do. I have actually had it set up in my basement walked up the stairs across the kitchen and on out the garage went two houses down and still had total clarity and response (Had windows open and my Carvin V3 full stack playing but had a mic rigged up so I could play it back to make sure no cut outs or clips or pops).


My Opinion
There are so many wireless systems out there some that have more features (Carvin offers systems that have more features then this model) and also that can cost a truck payment. This model is a great wireless for the gigging, touring, studio, jamming musician that wants top of the line but does not want to pay a outrageous price to get it. With the 16 channels you will never be in a position to not be able to use it or have interference. If you are in need of more then one wireless you can get two and the Carvin mounting kit and only use one rack space so it is not big and bulky. Carvin offers a 90 day warranty with it in case you might have problems with it (Not Going to happen) and also they have the best customer service I have ever dealt with (I had a guitar one time get delivered with a chip in it and they took care if it with lightning speed). You will not go wrong with this unit I use it constantly and have for a while now and it has never failed me!!!

Contact:
carvinguitars.com 
www.facebook.com/carvinguitarsofficial 
www.facebook.com/carvinaudio/timeline 

There is a great video on the Carvin Guitar Website that you can watch by clicking this link! http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/UX16-BP

Conquest Cables Guitar Cable

Conquest Cables OPI 10' Custom Shop Cable

This day in age it always frustrates me when I see a guitar player that has a 2500 dollar Paul Reed Smith guitar and a 2400 dollar Marshall amp and then they buy a 7 dollar cable and wonder why there sound is a bit off.

Larry Spalla and his company Conquest cables has gone up and beyond to take care of the musician making hundreds of different cables all hand made in the USA with using the best materials on the market not skimping on anything to deliver musicians a product that can compete and devour products up to three to four times the price. Conquest also makes custom cables for the musician or studio that needs something special. 

I have got to know Larry and his passion for the little guy is amazing and his products are even better!! Today we will talk about the OPI Custom Shop Guitar Cable. 

 

Layout & Features

4 Conductors

24ga with 41x40 in each .995 pure (When the conductors are combined the actual gauge becomes 18 and the actual strand count is 41x164)

Effective conductor (copper) O.D IS .44

Shield Coverage is 95% of tight angle braided T.C .995% pure

conductor resistance: 6.39 ohms per 1,000

Shield Resistance: 3.958 Ohms per 1,000

Capacitance: 29 pf/ft

Overall O.D. is .245 of specially constructed PVC

1/4 Nickel Phone Plug

10' long

 

Sound 

The technical specs can be really confusing to most musicians that are simply just looking for something that sounds really good. I tried this cable out with a Gibson Les Paul Classic, Gibson Sg Standard, Carvin Dc400a, Carvin Cs6, Dean Micheal Schenker V, Ltd Wilton signature, Schecter Hellraiser Solo 6 guitars. I also bounced with amps using a Carvin V3, Carvin V3m, Mack Gem, Crate Blue Voodoo, Marshall Jcm 800 and 900 heads. I wanted to really try this cable out with multiple setups to see how it would handle with high gain to country style sounds and settings. The Conquest cable is quiet with no pops no hisses and super quiet. I also compared the Conquest to four other brands (Will not name brands) hooked up into a recording unit to check the measurable background noise it made. The conquest was almost nothing at all while all four of the other cables you could see the background noises and pops coming into the recording unit. I noticed something that honestly I did not think was possible when I was trading in and out the other four cables against the Conquest cable, My overall sound was clearer and brighter. I had never heard in the 25 years I have been playing that a cable had the way to not only be quiet and quality but actually make your sound better. 

 

My Opinion 

Conquest has really taken steps to make sure that the hand made cables they make are not just another company. When it comes to your sound you really do not need to cheap out with a poorly made import cable when for about the same price you can have a Custom Shop cable that will not only last you a lifetime but also give you a better tone. Conquest has a lifetime warranty for all there cables what is a very cool feature that so many cable companies would not even think about doing. If you are a musician that has to have all the crazy gear out there and need something that is not a standard cable they make then just contact them they will make it for you for a price you can afford. Conquest is the oldest cable maker in the United States and not just made for the pro musician they are made for everyone!!! 

 Contact 

Facebook Link  

http://conquestsound.com/

 

Tailpeace Dsignz - Tailpieces

Tailpeace Dsignz Tailpieces

I had a friend of mine send me a picture of a guitar that had a chrome snake tailpiece on his guitar and I knew that this was something unique. I did some looking around and met the owner Neal Gallop via Facebook and he explained the entire company out to me. I did my homework on the product talking to a few other guitar players that loved there Tailpeace so I knew I had to have one for myself. Something that really surprised me is that most of the profits made on these go straight to charity. Today we will talk about the Tailpeace Dsignz custom tailpieces. 




Layout & Features

Tailpeace makes four standard models the Snake, Bull Head, Cross and Skull. They are in multi different colors Chrome, Gold, Black, Nickel and Raw. They are made out of lightweight aluminum so they will not add weight to your favorite axe. These beauties will fit right into your stopbar tailpiece guitar like a Les Paul without any modifications or
tools needed. They float above your body of your guitar so no
scratches on that beautiful finish. I purchased a Gold Cross and put it on my Carvin Cs6 (There version of a single cut Les Paul). It only took me about ten min to install cause of the added length I had to change my strings (It was time to change them anyway). A very simple upgrade all the way around.

 
Sound
This is a upgrade but not to enhance your tone but I was very surprised when I installed this Tailpiece and I noticed a difference
in my sound. There was a noticeable difference in sustain and it added a bit of acoustic sound to the cleans. The heavy saturated leads really had more overall tone to them. As we know with like
brass blocks on a Floyd Rose Mass=Tone and adding this adds
a bit of enhanced sound. It really was a pleasant surprise cause it
was made for eye candy.


My Opinion
Neal really has come up with a great product that will really spruce up your favorite stopbar tailpiece guitar. It is a brilliant idea to make your guitar unique and separate you from the crowd. The Tailpeace looks really good under the lights on stage also. I am so impressed that most of the money goes to a charity so buying this not only makes your guitar look and sound better but you are helping out to make the world a better place. They are
very reasonable priced so any guitar player with a bit of scratch can
afford to dress there axe up. My Carvin Cs6 has never looked and played
better then it does with my Gold Cross Tailpeace.


Contact
www.facebook.com/TailPeaceDsignz 
http://tailpeace.com 

Select A Head - Custom Drum Heads

Select A Head Drum Heads  


I got turned on to this company a while back cause I am such a huge collector of Rock N Roll items and a avid collector of any and all guitar and bass gear. After a few talks to the owner of the company I was totally sold on how these products are made. I was on the website and was totally blown away with the college teams and bands that have given there names to the company to use there names and album covers. I had to pick out one of my all time favorite bands that helped carve out the thrash and metal genre that started back in the 80's and still releasing albums and touring up to today Metal Church!!


Layout & Features

Width 23''

Depth 5''

Weight 8lbs

Chrome lugs & Bass drum claws

Black drum head, hoop & shell

Band, College Team or your custom graphic on head


Sound

These are not meant to be played these are for being hung up on the wall and or used for promotion of your product or band. The drum head can be played or used if put into your drum kit with your custom graphic.


My Opnion

Select A Head has really come up with a great product whether if you are a fan of music or college sports and want to show your colors. They also offer custom heads if you own a company or in a band and want your logo and or band name on the drum head. While the head is for display purposes they take a extra measure laminating the decals providing a UV protection and helps with scratches and scuffs for them that want to play it. This product is solid as a tank and top notch components to make it a product that will be around for a very long time whether you are hanging it on the wall or having fun pretending to be your favorite drummer. This is a great product for the musician or music fan in your life or maybe your favorite drummer!!! I will be a fan for a very long time and maybe we will be seeing the Reviews By Jon custom one made up in the future!!!

Contact
www.facebook.com/selectahead
selectahead.com